PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 11:12-19
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14)
Jesus is not being ornery just because He is hungry.
Mark ties this story with what happens in the temple to show what Jesus is doing.
A barren fig tree was a powerful symbol for the Jews, a sign of God’s judgment.
“I will ruin her vines and her fig trees…” (Hosea 2:11-13).
Jesus’ uses the fig tree to teach that God holds us accountable for our barren lives.
God created us for love and good works, but so many humans produce bad fruit.
Good fruit is always in season for us, and yet we produce hate, greed, lust, cruelty.
We twist and pervert our world, even our religious activities, for selfish purposes.
Like the religious leaders turning the temple into a ‘den of robbers’.
God is patient for a time, but one day He will hold people accountable.
What strikes me here is that it is the religious people God is most angry with.
What does this say about Christians and churches today?
As Jesus followers, we are not just receivers of salvation, but of the Spirit.
And the fruit of that Spirit in us is love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23)
PRAYER
Lord, You desire love and good works from us. That is why You have put me here in this time and place. Help me to see this as my full-time calling.
Jesus was hungry. Jesus was more than physically hungry – he looked to a tree that had no fruit and he looked to the temple to have time to connect with God – both times he was disappointed: no figs and a temple defiled by commerce where people should be praying. Jesus was angry. I too can be angry when I am disappointed. What do I do with that anger? Jesus cursed the fig tree and he took it out on the money lenders and merchants. I too should be angry when religion is all show and business – but not heart felt and spiritual. Show/hypocrisy and busyness/distractions from a heartfelt connection with the Lord. Jesus was hungry for food and for the Father – he needed to be strengthened to prepare for what was ahead. So do I!
Good fruit.
A tree is known by the fruit it bears like the tree planted by the waters.
I too am known by the fruit I bear – the fruit of the Spirit.
In order to bear good fruit I need to dress myself anew each day with His armour. I need to be refreshed, nourished by His Word each day and be lead by His Spirit.
Spirit of the Living God
Fall fresh on me
Spirit of the Living God
Fall fresh on me
Melt me mold me
Fill me use me
Spirit of the Living God
Fall fresh on me